March 27th, 2007

cribbage, lunch, and going home @ 04:07 pm

It's amazing how tired a chocolate malt can make you after a big lunch. I took about a fifteen minute nap, and am still tired.

We had lunch with my Aunt in town (Payson) at a hamburger joint called Mackey's (I think that's how it's spelled). Pretty good burgers and a tasty malt for myself were had, and we enjoyed talking. I've now seen all of my aunts, and, from what I can tell, most of my AZ family members. I also enjoyed being able to catch up on the text messages and voicemails I had accumulated over the past few days.

One of the messages came from chessdude who is a new lj user with one entry about the outcome of last entry's cribbage game. But first, let me muse about cribbage for a while. I am 27 and have played the game for about half of my life, thanks to my Grandma and Grandpa, who played almost nightly for a while. Cribbage, for me, is an ideal game, because it's mathematically based but requires, once you get the game, little skill. It's got strategy, but if you're good with math, it can be mastered. Many might not agree with me on the skill part, but a lot of it comes down to which cards you get and how aggressively you try to find points in your partner's hand. I've taught the game to one of my other friends, and we play when he is around and I'm in the same town, but otherwise, it seems as if few younger people play. Maybe the game goes too slowly for young people. Maybe it's too hard, I don't know, but I like it, and I always enjoy coming overhere or having my Grandma come over to our house to play a rousing game of cribbage. I won't explain the game, look it up on wikipedia for a reasonably good explanation. The link is here for theCribbage link on Wikipedia.

I did end up beating my Grandma twice, once in a full game, and second in a half game. We played a half game mostly because we had to watch Jeopardy (Grandma'a got her shows you see). We enjoyed the game though.

We're going to be getting me ready to leave in the morning for Phoenix at which point I'll fly from there to Houston, and then on to Fayetteville. I should arrive there at about 8:30 or so. We're going to play a game or two this evening, which should be good, and maybe Grandma will actually win one. I'm not going to consciously let her though :). I must try to teach more of my friends that game.

With that, I'll post this, and prepare for my journey back to the Ozark mountains. It's been a really great trip!

Cribbaholics Unanimous

I agree with your statement: "because it's mathematically based but requires, once you get the game, little skill. It's got strategy, but if you're good with math, it can be mastered."

You should try Crash Cribbage, which is played the same way as traditional cribbage but has a single pegging track that opponents share. It is really FUN for 2,3, or 4 players. It adds a bit to the strategy of pegging because you can add or lose points by bumping into your opponents pegs. Check it out at: www.crashcribbage.com.

Re: Cribbaholics Unanimous

That sounds really fun. Now if I can find people insterested in it here on campus, I'd be able to play. My strategy sure went downhill last night though when I played. Every time I would try to strategize and play an odd card to avoid 31, Grandma would get me. Happened like 8 times. Uncanny and unfair, but typical for Grandmas needing revenge. 2 and 2 isn't that bad.

No Bias Here

I have the dubious honor of being the "last" Aunt. An honor I have always been grateful for. But feel the need to comment on this entry. The burgers were good, best part of lunch? My nephew got stuck with the bill? LOL As to the cribbage match.....as proper and unassuming as most would find my mother, when it comes to cribbage (Yahtzee, Aggravation or Tri-Ominoes), 82 years old or not, she is ruthless. Just before she cuts you off at the knees, she says something really sweet like "oh, I really hate to do this to you". Yeah right. She's really doing the HAPPY DANCE. As usual, our visit was joyous. Man, I love this kid! No bias here!!!!!!!!!!!